Steven Lerud | Catcher

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Nationals signed C Steven Lerud to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

Lerud spent the entire 2014 season with the Braves' Triple-A affiliate, batting .250/.376/.390 with four home runs in 200 plate appearances. The 30-year-old will act as organizational catching depth for the Nats. Jan 12 - 2:10 PM

The 29-year-old backstop appeared in 61 games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2013, slashing .217/.353/.311 with three homers and 21 RBI. He'll function merely as additional catching depth for the Braves. Sat, Nov 23, 2013 12:30:00 PM

Nationals manager Matt Williams said that Jayson Werth (shoulder) will be limited early on in spring training.

Werth underwent surgery in early January to repair the AC joint in his right shoulder. The original timeline called for 2-3 months of rehab time and he's currently a little over six weeks into the process. He's aiming to be ready for Opening Day, but it's going to be close.

Nate McLouth (shoulder) expects to be ready for the beginning of the 2015 regular season.

And he could start in left field on Opening Day if Jayson Werth (shoulder) isn't ready. McLouth underwent surgery last August to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He's nearly up to speed with the other position players in Nats camp this spring.

Nationals outfield prospect Brian Goodwin will be monitored in camp after having surgery on his left (non-throwing) shoulder late last season.

It doesn't sound like anything that might put his availability for Opening Day in question. Goodwin, 24, is set to return to Triple-A to start the season after struggling in his first go-round at the level in 2014 with a .219/.342/.328 batting line.

He's now set to throw three bullpen sessions per week over the next four weeks. "It's great. It's a good feeling because it's been over a year since I've been on the mound," Davis said. "It's a major milestone for me, but I understand that the work is not done. I'm going to keep working hard on the field." Davis likely won't be game-ready until around midseason. He can aim for a September call-up.